MATCH PREVIEW: Mansfield Town v Newport County

CJ Hamilton shoots during the play-off semi-final defeat at home to Newport County last season.

The Welsh side beat their hosts the Stags on penalties in the League Two play-off semi-final last season, although they ultimately failed to win promotion as they lost 1-0 to Tranmere Rovers in the final at Wembley.

This season hasn’t gone quite so well for Mike Flynn's side.

Last weekend Newport were beaten 1-0 at home by Cambridge United, a third defeat in four League Two outings, before being held 0-0 at home by Walsall on Tuesday night – a run which has seen their hopes of making the play-offs again look unlikely.

The Exiles boosted their ranks in January transfer with the acquisition of Mansfield Town midfielder Otis Khan on loan until the end of the season, but he will not be permitted to face his parent club on Saturday under the terms of the loan deal.

County have failed to score in over five hours of football in League Two, a cause of great frustration to Flynn.

He said after draw with Walsall: “It’s a bit of everything – misfortune, choosing the wrong options, not anticipating things.

“They worked their socks off and at times I thought they were maybe trying too hard, as in getting a bit giddy in front of goal and being too eager to attack at corners and giving free-kicks away.

“It’s not just people snatching at chances, it’s about people giving up good opportunities.”

Stags will be hoping Newport's players have a slight distraction on their minds with a trip to Wembley looming if they can overcome Salford City in the Leasing.com Trophy semi-final this coming Wednesday.

Mansfield boss Graham Coughlan, meanwhile, is keen to see a run of four games without a win come to an end.

He said: “I am disappointed with results. But I have to be positive. I can't do anything about previous games now.

“I have to look forward and think long term. We are a work in progress and I do think we are making progress on and off the pitch.”